Industrial premises
Industrial noise includes noise from machinery, air conditioning and commercial premises in general. Noise levels can be assessed against Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria’s Commercial, Industrial and trade noise guidelinesOpens in new tab, which aims to protect people from the effects of noise.
New and proposed industries should be designed to be within the policy’s noise limits. If you do not limit your noise, residents and visitors are entitled to make a noise complaint.
Entertainment venues
Noise emanating from and around pubs and clubs can disturb nearby residents. Melbourne has one of Australia’s best night scenes and we want to continue to promote the vibrancy of Melbourne as a 24-hour city. A balance is needed between the expectations of residents to have a good night’s sleep and the ability of the venue to run a successful business.
All premises that are licensed to serve alcohol are obliged to respond quickly and positively to resolve complaints with neighbours.
Victoria Police have power under the Environment Protection Act 2017Opens in new tab to instruct a venue to abate any entertainment noise after midnight. These directions stay in force until 8 am.
Noise levels can be assessed against EPA Victoria’s regulations - see music noise from venues and eventsOpens in new tab. While not directly enforceable as legislation, noise requirements based on this policy are often included as a condition of a venue's liquor licence or planning permit.
See also Planning practice note 81: Live music and entertainment noiseOpens in new tab (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).
Residential premises
Residential noise includes noise from motor vehicles, lawn mowers, electrical tools and equipment, domestic heating/cooling equipment, pumps, musical instruments, radios and televisions.
EPA Victoria’s Residential Noise and the LawOpens in new tab provides details on minimum standards regarding specific types of residential noise and times they are prohibited.
Noise may be considered unreasonable depending on several factors including volume, time of day, and intensity of duration.
Building sites
Construction activities and building works are a fundamental part of a growing and changing city like Melbourne. However, construction works need to be managed so that noise does not become a nuisance for our visitors, residents and businesses.
Our Noise and Vibration Management Guidelines outline your responsibilities under Local Law.
Other commercial noise sources
Some industrial noise sources such as public transport, gasworks, road works and specific major development sites are not within our jurisdiction.
Visit EPA VictoriaOpens in new tab for more information about how these noise levels are regulated.
